Influence of solution chemistry on disinfection of drinking water by ultrafiltration

MERCEDES C. CRUZ; LUIS ROMERO; OSCAR GAMBONI; MARÍA S. VICENTE; VERÓNICA B. RAJAL

Buenos Aires

Congreso; IWA 3rd Regional Conference in Membrane Technology; 2012

Water scarcity and safe drinking water are among the most serious global challenges of our time. In addressing these issues, the use of membranes technology has emerged as an invaluable tool in the water purification process [1]. Notably, low pressure membrane filtration has gained widespread use for securing a safe water supply. Of particular use are the processes of microfiltration and ultrafiltration (UF), which are capable of the removal of particles, turbidity, organic compounds and microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses from contaminated feed streams [2, 3]. Furthermore, over the past two decades, water quality regulations have placed an increased emphasis on the removal of pathogens, thus, membrane treatment represents a suitable technology to reach that aim. It is well known, that membrane pore size is the main barrier for microorganisms’ rejection nevertheless, the elimination efficiency is highly influenced by solution chemistry [4]. In this work several water matrixes were synthesised, according to actual concentrations of ions and natural organic matter (NOM) found in environmental waters sourced for human consumption in our region, and where the installation of an ultrafiltration process for water disinfection would be suitable.